PROVIDENCE - The Rhode Island Bar Association and the Rhode Island Judiciary, with support from Roger Williams University School of Law, R.I. Department of Education and the R.I. Police Chief's Association, are sponsoring the annual Rhode Island Law Day Essay Contest.

The contest is open to all Rhode Island students attending 10th- or 11th- grade in Rhode Island. The topics are: downloading copyrighted music, posting personal information on the Web, trying or using intoxicants (alcohol and drugs.)

Students must have a teacher as a sponsor and submit an 800-word-maximum essay on the topic. Members of the Roger Williams University School of Law review and judge the essay contest entries.

The winning essay author will receive a $1,000 scholastic award in addition to an internship opportunity with a Rhode Island state court judge, and an engraved trophy cup.

The winner's school receives a permanent plaque and the annual Law Day Essay Award Trophy to display until the next contest.

The submission deadline is May 2.

For essay contest guidelines and entry forms, call 421-5740 or e-mail fmassie@ribar.com.